The department of pharmaceuticals has made a presentation to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the issue of trade margin rationalisation (TMR), after RSS affiliate Laghu Udyog Bharati raised objections on the yet-to-be introduced price control method.

“A presentation was made to the PMO in this regard and the concern of the Laghu Udyog Bharati was also discussed. A decision is likely to be taken soon on the matter,” said a person aware of the matter.

The government has also revived discussions with the pharma and medical devices industries over the issue. On May 16, the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority held a meeting with representatives of industry associations and sought their suggestions.

Trade margin is the difference between the price at which the manufacturers/importers sell to stockists and the price charged to consumers.

Pharma lobby groups, including members of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry, Medical Technology Association of India, Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association, Advanced Medical Technology Association, Nathealth, CII, Ficci, Phdcci and Assocham attended the meeting. The Laghu Udhyog Bharati, which represents micro and small industries, also participated.